Spain withdraws its ambassador to Israel as diplomatic rift deepens
Mar 11th 2026
Spain has formally ended its ambassadorial post in Israel, escalating a diplomatic standoff that has been building since the Gaza war and intensified amid recent strikes on Iran.
- Spain terminated the post of Ambassador Ana Maria Salomon Perez, six months after recalling her, and the embassy in Tel Aviv is now run by a charge d'affaires.
- The removal was proposed by Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares and signed by King Felipe VI, and published in Spain’s official gazette.
- Bilateral relations have soured since the October 7, 2023 attacks and Spain’s sharp criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza, which Madrid has described in strong terms.
- Tensions were already high after Spain recognized Palestinian statehood, Israel withdrew its ambassador in 2024, and Spain banned aircraft and ships carrying weapons for Israel.
- The latest escalation coincides with recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran and public clashes between Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Israeli officials, and the US president.